The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is conducting a $372,996 project grant awarded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) under the Research on Healthcare Costs, Quality and Outcomes (CFDA 93.226) program. The project aims to examine the impact of Medicaid policy changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access for Marshallese Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants residing in Northwest Arkansas. Specifically, the researchers will: 1) Conduct focus groups to qualitatively explore barriers and facilitators to Medicaid enrollment and accessing healthcare services for this population, and 2) Develop and administer a survey to 750 Marshallese individuals to assess the need for community-based interventions to increase Medicaid enrollment and primary/preventative healthcare utilization. The findings will inform the development of tailored interventions to enhance equitable healthcare delivery for COFA migrants and other underserved populations. The project period is from September 1, 2024 to June 30, 2028.
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